Smith Story 2019 Helluva Vineyard Pinot Noir

Helluva Vineyard is tucked up against the wall of redwood forests on the edge of Anderson Valley. Standing in this vineyard you can see the occasional private plane approaching Boonville's small landing strip, or watch riders exercise their steeds in the stables just across the street. In fact, the first time I tasted these grapes was while awaiting the end of a riding lesson being taken by one young blond girl I'm rather fond of.

The Helluva vineyard sees warm, sun-drenched mornings and afternoons which lead into the cool evenings and cold nights typical of the Anderson Valley due to it's opening to the Pacific and its somewhat West-to-East orientation. The vineyard is located on a creek bed which ushers the cold forest air down through the vineyard on a nightly basis - thus preserving the acidity in the fruit so critical to fine wines from anywhere.

Boasting of red berry fruit flirting with going dark, the fruit notes are intertwined with sweet baking spices and subtle notes of forest floor and - the wine's most distinctive characteristic - a rich mineral backbone. Beautifully expressive, not only in the aromatics but on the palate as well. This medium-bodied wines shows an elegant texture and a finishing energy which really adds to its textural layers.

Aged for 10 months in 25% new Burgundy barrels with the balance in 2nd and 3rd-use Burgundy barrels. Drinking will now, I recommend laying this one down for the next 5-7 years to allow it to further develop. <300 cases produced.